Properties of herbs
Herbs are a tasty addition to dishes and a valuable ingredient in many medicinal mixtures. Skillfully selected, they relieve the symptoms of many diseases, reduce ailments, improve mood, calm, or, conversely, give energy and stimulate action.
How to choose the best herbs based on our needs?
The properties hidden in herbs and medicinal plants are a natural source of many ingredients necessary for the daily functioning of the body. Selection of herbs from which medicines and herbal preparations are made.
Chamomile is a popular herb for digestion, has a relaxing effect on the smooth muscles of the digestive tract and speeds up the healing process of peptic ulcers. When used externally, it accelerates the processes of regeneration and healing of the epidermis. Reduces swelling. Has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Dandelion is a perennial plant and is considered a weed. It is used to support digestion and gallbladder function. Bitter substances support digestion and stimulate appetite. Dandelion extract has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that are used to relieve acne.
Fragrant rosemary sprigs are ideal for drying and storing. This plant owes most of its beneficial properties to the essential oils contained in the leaves. It has a beneficial effect on many systems: digestive, respiratory and nervous. It can be used as a seasoning for meat, fish, salads and even mushrooms.
Sage can be grown effectively in your home garden. Leaves collected before the flowers appear are used as medicinal raw materials. Sage has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. For this reason, it is often used as a gargle for inflammation of the mouth and throat.
Mint has been known for many centuries and is still popular today. One of the types of medicinal plants used to relieve problems of the digestive system: flatulence, gas, nausea, gastritis. Recommended for upper respiratory tract infections, colds or mental fatigue.
Dried thyme is an excellent seasoning for various dishes, especially meat. Thyme, like sage, can be an excellent support for colds. It has a soothing effect on irritated throats and respiratory systems, making it ideal for inflammation.
Common nettle has a diuretic effect. It is often recommended for anemia. Stimulates the secretion of gastric juice, reduces glucose levels and blood pressure.
When to collect herbs?
Many herbs can be grown independently in the garden, on the balcony or windowsill. Others can be collected in the forest or meadow. It is best to collect herbs on a dry, warm morning when the sun is not too bright, preferably immediately after the morning dew has dried. It is important that the plants are not damp, otherwise mold may develop on the dried plant.
Note! Herbs are collected in environmentally friendly places, far from roads or factories, and even from agricultural fields where spraying can be used.
Herbs are not washed unless they are contaminated with soil. If this is not necessary, simply shake them to free them from pollen, small insects or fragments of other plants. Then they lay it out on the table and select blades of grass, dry and yellowed leaves or flowers. After this, you can begin drying using the chosen method.
Note! Herbs such as mint, basil, and sage should be harvested before they begin to bloom, when their leaves are most fragrant.
Preparing herbs for drying
Drying herbs is an easy way to preserve their healing and taste qualities. Fresh herbs are the best solution; dried herbs should only be used when green ones are not available. The most important thing is to dry the plants at the peak of their growth, which will allow the herbs to retain the most essential oils.
Before drying, grown herbs must be properly sorted. Parts that are too long, where there are peduncles, leaf petioles or woody stems, are discarded. You should also discard any damaged plant parts or those that are visibly infested with pests.
When drying herbs, it is worth remembering a few general rules:
- First of all, make sure that the greens are clean and fresh;
- plants should be distributed evenly so that they dry evenly;
- Prepared spices should be stored in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dark, dry place to enjoy them for as long as possible.
Additional Information! During the drying process, the water in the herbs evaporates. During this time, plants lose 80 to 90% of their weight. Properly dried and stored raw materials retain their properties
The most popular method is air drying the herbs. This is a traditional method that does not require special equipment. Simply tie the herbs into small bunches and hang them stems up in a shaded, dry, well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight. Sunlight causes the essential oils in the plant to evaporate, which can degrade the herbs’ flavor and properties. The herbs dry in this way for several weeks until they become brittle.
If you only need to dry the leaves, the upper parts of the shoots or flowers, you can lay them out on a breathable cloth. A good method is to put leaves, shoots and inflorescences in fabric bags and hang them under the roof along with bunches of herbs.
Accelerated drying
If there is no other choice but to reduce the drying time from several weeks to several hours, use an oven or electric vegetable dehydrator. Provided that the drying temperature suitable for herbs is not exceeded, their properties: taste, aroma and nutritional value are preserved.
How to store herbs
Properly dried herbs do not completely fall off and should crack when pressed. Transfer the dried material into airtight containers and store in tightly sealed containers in a dry place. Dark glass jars or ceramic and porcelain containers are best suited for this purpose. If you pack the collected herbs in a jar and leave no room for air, they can be stored unchanged for up to 2-3 years. Roots – up to 5 years.
You can also store them in paper bags, but only in a warm, dark and dry place. However, they cannot be stored in metal or plastic bags, boxes, or containers with plastic lids. Herbs stored in this way easily oxidize and quickly lose their properties. A similar rule applies when drying: do not place raw materials on metal or plastic surfaces. Grinding should be done only before direct use.
How to use medicinal herbs?
The choice of herbs should be approached carefully. They should be considered as therapeutic agents. Particular attention should be paid to precautions: contraindications for interactions with drugs and other herbs. Proper drying will provide healing properties and a pleasant taste sensation.
